Improve water quality management

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 147 views

Determination of Iron Levels (Fe), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) in Well Water in the Northern Binjai Area with the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry Method

Introduction

Water is a vital source of life, but it is also an easily contaminated substance, especially by heavy metals. This contamination poses a significant threat to human health, particularly if the heavy metal exceeds the permitted threshold and enters the body's metabolism. In this study, we analyzed the content of heavy metals such as iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in well water in the North Binjai region using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (SSA) method in the Regional Health Laboratory of North Sumatra Province, Medan.

Background

Water quality is a critical aspect of public health, and its supervision is essential to prevent contamination by heavy metals. Heavy metals such as iron, lead, and zinc can cause various health problems, including disorders of organ function and potential toxicity if consumed in the long run. The presence of these heavy metals in water sources can have severe consequences for human health, making it essential to monitor and manage water quality effectively.

Methodology

In this study, we collected well water samples from three locations in the North Binjai region and analyzed them for iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) content using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (SSA) method. The SSA method is a reliable and accurate technique for determining the concentration of heavy metals in water samples. The results of the analysis were compared with the clean water quality threshold determined by Permenkes RI No. 416 of 1990.

Results

The results of the analysis showed that the iron content (Fe) in well water taken from location I reached 1,924 mg/l, location II 1,858 mg/l, and location III 0.759 mg/L. On the other hand, the lead level (Pb) of the three samples of well water was 0 mg/L, indicating that no lead contamination was detected. For zinc content (Zn), the results obtained were 0.053 mg/l at location I, 0.004 mg/L at location II, and 0.016 mg/l at location III.

Discussion

Based on the results of the examination, it can be concluded that the well water in the North Binjai area, especially from the well water sample, location I and II, has exceeded the clean water quality threshold determined by Permenkes RI No. 416 of 1990. Meanwhile, lead levels (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the three samples still meet the standard of clean water quality. The presence of iron in well water can cause various health problems, including disorders of organ function and potential toxicity if consumed in the long run.

The Importance of Monitoring Water Quality

Supervision of water quality is very important to maintain public health. Water contaminated with heavy metals such as iron can cause various health problems, including disorders of the function of organs and have the potential to become toxic to the body if consumed in the long run. Although lead and zinc levels at the study site are still within safe limits, the presence of other heavy metals must continue to be monitored.

Implications of the Research Results

The results of this study emphasize the need for more attention to the quality of water sources in the North Binjai region. Mitigation measures are needed, such as filtering or refining water, to ensure that the water consumed by the community is free from contamination. In addition, educational steps regarding the importance of management and protection of water sources must also be improved so that people are more aware of the risks caused by pollution.

Conclusion

Overall, this research is one of the first steps to identify and overcome the problem of water pollution in the North Binjai area. It is hoped that the results of this study can provide a clear picture of the water quality situation in the area and encourage related parties to take the actions needed for the health and safety of the community.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improve water quality management: The local government and health authorities must take immediate action to improve water quality management in the North Binjai region.
Implement mitigation measures: Mitigation measures such as filtering or refining water must be implemented to ensure that the water consumed by the community is free from contamination.
Educate the community: Educational steps regarding the importance of management and protection of water sources must be improved so that people are more aware of the risks caused by pollution.
Continuously monitor water quality: Continuous monitoring of water quality is essential to ensure that the water sources in the North Binjai region are safe for consumption.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size of this study was limited to three locations in the North Binjai region.
Limited analysis: The analysis was limited to iron, lead, and zinc content, and did not include other heavy metals that may be present in the water samples.
Limited scope: The study only focused on the North Binjai region and did not include other areas that may be affected by water pollution.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Expanding the sample size: The sample size of this study should be expanded to include more locations in the North Binjai region.
Including other heavy metals: The analysis should be expanded to include other heavy metals that may be present in the water samples.
Conducting a comprehensive study: A comprehensive study should be conducted to identify the sources of water pollution in the North Binjai region and to develop effective mitigation measures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determination of Iron Levels (Fe), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) in Well Water in the Northern Binjai Area with the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry Method

Q: What is the importance of monitoring water quality?

A: Monitoring water quality is essential to maintain public health. Water contaminated with heavy metals such as iron can cause various health problems, including disorders of organ function and potential toxicity if consumed in the long run.

Q: What is the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (SSA) method?

A: The atomic absorption spectrophotometry (SSA) method is a reliable and accurate technique for determining the concentration of heavy metals in water samples. It involves the use of a spectrophotometer to measure the absorption of light by the atoms of the heavy metal.

Q: What are the results of the analysis of iron, lead, and zinc content in well water in the North Binjai region?

A: The results of the analysis showed that the iron content (Fe) in well water taken from location I reached 1,924 mg/l, location II 1,858 mg/l, and location III 0.759 mg/L. On the other hand, the lead level (Pb) of the three samples of well water was 0 mg/L, indicating that no lead contamination was detected. For zinc content (Zn), the results obtained were 0.053 mg/l at location I, 0.004 mg/L at location II, and 0.016 mg/l at location III.

Q: What are the implications of the research results?

A: The results of this study emphasize the need for more attention to the quality of water sources in the North Binjai region. Mitigation measures are needed, such as filtering or refining water, to ensure that the water consumed by the community is free from contamination. In addition, educational steps regarding the importance of management and protection of water sources must also be improved so that people are more aware of the risks caused by pollution.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size of this study was limited to three locations in the North Binjai region.
Limited analysis: The analysis was limited to iron, lead, and zinc content, and did not include other heavy metals that may be present in the water samples.
Limited scope: The study only focused on the North Binjai region and did not include other areas that may be affected by water pollution.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions include:

Expanding the sample size: The sample size of this study should be expanded to include more locations in the North Binjai region.
Including other heavy metals: The analysis should be expanded to include other heavy metals that may be present in the water samples.
Conducting a comprehensive study: A comprehensive study should be conducted to identify the sources of water pollution in the North Binjai region and to develop effective mitigation measures.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving water quality management in the North Binjai region?

A: Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improve water quality management: The local government and health authorities must take immediate action to improve water quality management in the North Binjai region.
Implement mitigation measures: Mitigation measures such as filtering or refining water must be implemented to ensure that the water consumed by the community is free from contamination.
Educate the community: Educational steps regarding the importance of management and protection of water sources must be improved so that people are more aware of the risks caused by pollution.
Continuously monitor water quality: Continuous monitoring of water quality is essential to ensure that the water sources in the North Binjai region are safe for consumption.

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with iron, lead, and zinc contamination in well water?

A: The presence of iron, lead, and zinc in well water can cause various health problems, including disorders of organ function and potential toxicity if consumed in the long run. Iron contamination can cause gastrointestinal problems, while lead contamination can cause neurological problems. Zinc contamination can cause gastrointestinal problems and can also interfere with the body's ability to absorb other essential nutrients.

Q: What are the potential sources of water pollution in the North Binjai region?

A: The potential sources of water pollution in the North Binjai region include:

Industrial activities: Industrial activities such as mining, smelting, and manufacturing can release heavy metals into the environment, which can contaminate water sources.
Agricultural activities: Agricultural activities such as farming and livestock production can release heavy metals into the environment, which can contaminate water sources.
Waste disposal: Improper waste disposal can release heavy metals into the environment, which can contaminate water sources.

Q: What are the potential solutions to address water pollution in the North Binjai region?

A: The potential solutions to address water pollution in the North Binjai region include:

Implementing effective waste management practices: Implementing effective waste management practices such as recycling, composting, and proper disposal of hazardous waste can help reduce the amount of heavy metals released into the environment.
Promoting sustainable agriculture practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices such as organic farming and integrated pest management can help reduce the amount of heavy metals released into the environment.
Implementing water treatment technologies: Implementing water treatment technologies such as filtration and disinfection can help remove heavy metals from water sources.